Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8345

Introduced

3/25/26

Refer

3/25/26

Caption

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE USE OF THIRD-PARTY DIGITAL PLATFORMS WITHIN PUBLIC EDUCATION (Creates a special legislative commission to study the use of third-party digital platforms in public education and report its findings and recommendations to the general assembly no later than April 23, 2027, and said commission expires on May 28, 2027.)

Impact

The commission will undertake a comprehensive study focusing on how third-party digital platforms are currently utilized in classrooms and their influences on teaching and learning processes. Among other tasks, the commission will also explore potential risks associated with these platforms, such as data privacy concerns and equity in access for students. It is expected to provide recommendations by April 23, 2027, on ways to improve the effective use of these digital tools while mitigating any drawbacks identified throughout their review.

Summary

House Bill H8345 proposes the establishment of a special legislative commission in Rhode Island to investigate the impact of third-party digital platforms within public education. As the use of these platforms has surged in recent years, the bill seeks to assess both the positive and negative implications of their integration into educational settings. The commission will consist of eleven members, including legislators, superintendents, teachers, and students, ensuring a diverse representation of stakeholders in the education system.

Contention

Debate surrounding H8345 may arise regarding the degree of oversight that should be applied to third-party digital vendors. Proponents argue that the increased digitization of education necessitates careful monitoring and regulation to protect students and educators alike. Opponents, however, may voice concerns about the implications of government oversight on educational innovation and flexibility. The outcome of the commission's recommendations could significantly influence future regulations and standards for the use of technology in Rhode Island's public schools.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6156

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN IN STATE CARE

RI S0918

SENATE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE REPORTING DATE OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OF RHODE ISLAND'S PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM (Extends the reporting and expiration dates of the special legislative commission to study the governance structure of Rhode Island’s public education system, from March 1, 2025 to April 1, 2026, and said commission expires on June 1, 2026.)

RI S0216

SENATE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND REVIEW RHODE ISLAND'S MINIMUM WAGE (This resolution would extend the reporting and expiration dates of the special legislative commission to study Rhode Island’s minimum wage from May 4, 2025, to May 4, 2026, and said commission would expire on January 4, 2027.)

RI H5970

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CREATION OF A STATEWIDE WHOLE-HOME REPAIRS PROGRAM (Creates 12-member commission to study and provide recommendations for the creation of a statewide whole-home repairs program, and who would report back to the General Assembly by January 5, 2026, and would expire on March 5, 2026.)

RI H5161

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OF PUBLIC UTILITIES (Creates a special joint legislative study commission to study public ownership of certain public utilities, including electricity and natural gas.)

RI H6427

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CREATION OF A STATEWIDE WHOLE-HOME REPAIRS PROGRAM (Creates 10-member commission to study and provide recommendations for the creation of a statewide whole-home repairs program, and who would report back to the Speaker of the House by January 5, 2026, and would expire on March 5, 2026.)

RI H5056

HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE REPORTING AND EXPIRATION DATES OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO MAKE A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REMEDIES TO THE EROSION OF RHODE ISLAND BEACHES (This resolution would extend the reporting and expiration dates of the Legislative Commission to Study remedies for the Erosion of Rhode Island’s beaches from January 5, 2025 to April 23, 2025, and said commission would expire on April 30, 2025.)

RI H5131

HOUSE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADDRESS CONCERNS IN THE DELIVERY OF HEALTHCARE TO INMATES AND INDIVIDUALS AWAITING TRIAL IN THE CUSTODY OF THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS (RIDOC) (Creates a 9 member commission to study and make recommendations on the delivery of healthcare services at RIDOC, and who reports back to the House no later than January 5, 2026, and whose life would expire on March 5, 2026.)

RI S0831

JOINT RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO SAFEGUARD RHODE ISLAND AGAINST THE USE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS (Creates an 11-member commission to study and provide recommendations to safeguard Rhode Island against use of nuclear weapons, and who would report back no later than August 6, 2026, and whose life would expire on November 6, 2026.)

RI S0023

SENATE RESOLUTION CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POTENTIAL CHANGES IN LEGISLATION/OVERSIGHT OF THE ACT ON CLIMATE (Creates a 5 member commission to provide recommendations for legislation changes and/or oversight for the Act on Climate, and would report back by May 1, 2026, and would expire on June 1, 2026.)